The Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) memorial is unlike any other monument in Washington D.C. The memorial is situated along the Tidal Basin, and is made up of a path winding its way through trees, water features, brass statues, and memorable quotes carved into stone walls. It is a fittingly complex tribute to a man who was Assistant Secretary to the Navy, the longest-serving U.S. president, creator of the New Deal, and president during World War II.
Parking and public transportation at the FDR Memorial
For those driving, there is parking along both Ohio Drive and West Basin Drive, but be warned, spaces fill fast. Those taking the subway should get off at the Smithsonian Metro station on the orange, blue, and silver lines. The walk to the FDR Memorial is about a mile long, but it is around the Tidal Basin, and very pretty. Those using the Capital Bikeshare program will find docks right outside the entrance to the memorial on Ohio Drive, at the Jefferson Memorial, or at the Lincoln Memorial.
Best and worst time to go to the FDR Memorial
The best time to visit the FDR Memorial is during cherry blossom season. The trees in bloom around the Tidal Basin are an incredible sight. However, Washington D.C. gets extremely crowded during this time, so visit on weekdays or in the early morning to avoid the worst of the crush.
Admission to the FDR Memorial
Admission to the memorial is free, and the memorial is open 24 hours a day. Rangers are there to answer questions between 9:30am and 11:30 pm.
Must see/do at the FDR Memorial
Take a second to stand in front of the statue of FDR in his wheelchair. Initially, the park wasn't going to include this statue, but after heavy lobbying, they changed their mind. It serves as a powerful reminder that we shouldn't underestimate or judge people based on their physical abilities or disabilities.
Other places to visit near the FDR Memorial
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the George Mason Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial are all located within walking distance around the Tidal Basin. The full walk around the Tidal Basin through these monuments takes about an hour.
Insider tip for visitors to the FDR Memorial
Renting out a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin is a great way to get a different perspective on the memorials. Choose a day that is not too hot, when there's no chance of rain, and make sure to bring along a companion with strong legs.
Author's bio: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins has been living in DC since she was born, with the exception of a few brief residential stints in Malawi, South Africa, and the UK. When not writing, she spends her time working on aerial acrobatics and fostering kittens, both of which are really fun facts to bring up at D.C. cocktail parties.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial (MLK Memorial) is part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. It is located on the northwest corner of the Tidal Basin at the intersection of Independence Avenue and West Basin Drive SW in Washington, D.C. The MLK Memorial was dedicated on August 28, 2011 -- the 48th anniversary of the historic March on Washington organized by Dr. King. The centerpiece is a solid granite carving of King, and it is the first major memorial along the National Mall dedicated to an African-American and a non-president.
Parking and public transportation at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The Metrorail or biking is the best way to get to the MLK Memorial. Street parking is limited, and parking restrictions are enforced. Street parking requires payment at a meter for limited hours or you can spend at least $12 for a garage. The nearest station is Smithsonian (orange/silver/blue), and the closest Capital Bikeshare stand is at 14th Street and Jefferson Drive NW.
Best time and worst time to go to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
For a combination of good weather and beautiful landscape, visit the memorial in the spring or fall, and if you want to avoid the tourist crowd, visit in September and October. Peak tourist season and the summer months are the worst times to visit. Summer in D.C. comes with high humidity and temperature that can hit above 100 degrees, and coupled with huge tourist crowd, you might want to save your trip for later.
Admission to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Admission is free, and it is open 24 hours and seven days a week.
Must see/do at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
An endearing aspect of the MLK Memorial, in addition to the solid granite carving of Dr. King, are his quotes carved into the solid granite and on the wall around the memorial. Walk the full length of the wall, and be inspired by the great words of a great man.
Other places to visit near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Visit the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and World War II memorials and the museums of the Smithsonian Institution -- all part of the National Mall. If you are in the area on a summer evening on Friday, visit the Sculpture Garden for Jazz in the Park. It is an evening of lounging around in the garden enjoying a jazz band while sipping sangria, hanging with friends and meeting new people
Insider tip for visitors to Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
MLK memorial and its surrounding memorials is best viewed at night. The monument, along with the other memorials on the Mall, is illuminated at night and offers a fabulous view of the city. In addition, early spring is a good time to catch the Cherry Blossom, and you'll be glad you saw this stunning view of Washington, D.C.
Author's bio: AdeOla Fadumiye moved to Washington D.C. from Minneapolis in 2007, and fell in love with its beautiful scenery, history and vibrant restaurant and night life. She graduated with a Mass Communication Degree from Winona State University, and is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of JostWrite. She loves reading, dancing, working out, and traveling. She is currently working on her first book.
The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., is easily one of the world's most recognizable monuments. Filled with architectural details and nuances, the memorial pays tribute to the president credited with saving the Union. Part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, the Lincoln Memorial is the most visited site on the National Mall. Started in 1914 and dedicated in 1922, people from around the world and the nation flock to pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by mentions of his most famous words and works.
Parking and public transportation at the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is at the western edge of the National Mall, two miles from the Capitol Building. Parking for the area can be found at Ohio Drive, SW between the Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson Memorials, while accessible parking can be found adjacent to the Memorial at Daniel Chester French Drive SW.
The Lincoln Memorial can also be reached by public transportation and then walked to. The nearest Metro stop is Foggy Bottom (23rd St. &I St. NW) and Smithsonian (12th St. &Independence Ave. SW).
The National Mall is bike friendly and if you don't have your own, a Capital Bikeshare location can be found on Daniel French Drive SW.
Best and worst time to go to the Lincoln Memorial
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the nation, the steps of the Lincoln Memorial are always crowded, especially during national holidays and school holidays. The National Mall is open 24 hours, so going at off times, like sunrise and sunset, not only afford beautiful lighting but also the chance of seeing fewer mass groups.
Admission to the Lincoln Memorial
Admission to the Lincoln Memorial is free. You can check out the details and stay on the steps for as long as you like. There is a small gift store where you can buy memorabilia pertaining to the area.
Must see/do at the Lincoln Memorial
If you are interested in American history and learning more about the Lincoln Memorial and other sites of interest on the National Mall, then check out the free walking and biking tours that are offered. An annual highlight is the Independence Day celebration. Crowds converge upon the National Mall for a day filled with activities, highlighted by a spectacular fireworks display in the evening.
Other places to visit near the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is part of the National Mall, a vast park that includes the Washington Monument and many other memorials dedicated to wars, presidents and important leaders. At various points within the mall, you can find concessions such as ice cream and snack vendors.
Insider tips for visitors to the Lincoln Memorial
The National Mall is two miles long, from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress according to the weather, as it is also a walk from the nearest parking and Metro stations. Sunscreen and plenty of water are essential during D.C.'s hot summer months.
Author's bio: Carly Zinderman is a freelance writer from Los Angeles that loves to travel. She has written for many websites on topics including travel, food and drink.
